by Michelle Horst
A drop-in surgery provided by Hornsea police officers is giving local residents access to information on scam and fraud prevention.
Following recent reports of cold-calling rogue traders offering roof repairs and garden and drive maintenance, local community officers from Humberside Police have partnered with the Cash Access team at the Hornsea Banking Hub to provide support for anyone concerned about scams and fraud.
A recent survey by Age UK revealed that two in five people over the age of 65 did not use online banking. The survey outlined fear of scammers and lack of digital skills as the main barriers.
Hornsea’s banking hub in Newbegin is part of Cash Access, a not-for-profit company offering basic banking services and easy access to cash.
Kerry Mountain-Hewett, customer liaison officer, provides face-to-face help for residents throughout the week. Friendly staff from major banks visit to give in-depth information on accounts. After hearing about how people were being targeted, Kerry was keen to provide the opportunity to help her customers.
She said: “People can come in if they’re doing their everyday banking. We tell them that the police are here with advice. It’s so relaxed and welcoming. They come over and have a chat or they’ll come specially for the scam prevention drop-ins. The leaflets are very popular. Our location in the centre of town makes it easier for people.”
Media reports of fraudsters continuing to target social media chat groups, using online sales and fake websites to scam innocent people out of their savings, have created a fear of using online services. Kerry, PCSO Alan and PCSO Adrian aim to reassure residents and can offer advice on how to avoid falling victim to scams.
Phone scams are another common approach for criminals to gain access to personal and business bank accounts.
Information and prevention tips are on offer from PCSO Alan Roberts and PCSO Adrian Clark.
The monthly drop-ins at the Hornsea Banking Hub aim to reassure residents and help them access hard-to-find support.
“Banks will never ask for your financial details,” PCSO Roberts said.
“If in doubt, hang up and ring back. Phone scammers can keep the line open. So use a different phone or wait for 10 minutes before calling the bank, and use the number on the back of your bank card.”
PCSO Alan said: “A lot of people struggle to report frauds and scams now that the process has moved online.”
The Action Fraud website, actionfraud.police.uk, holds information and support for anyone who has been targeted by phishing, phone scams and other fraud-based crimes.
Victims of fraud often report feeling shame and stress.
PCSO Clark stressed that their presence was to assist residents, not cause alarm. “We’re here to help people protect themselves.”
Both officers encouraged residents to sign up for the Neighbourhood Alert notification service. This provides up-to-date alerts from the emergency services and other community interests to improve security and safety in the local area.
Registration can be carried out online at neighbourhoodalert.co.uk.
However, the officers were enthusiastic in offering support for this too, saying: “We can always help at the Hornsea station if anyone needs assistance in registering for the service.”